5 Best Proven Window Cleaning Solutions and Supplies
Beautiful summer weather for many is a signal for clearing up and window cleaning. It's not a problem if you live in an apartment and have just a few windows to clean. But cleaning windows in a house can be a real nightmare. To add the insult to injury, it often lasts long. To make it easier, you need not only essential window cleaning supplies, but also special techniques and smart methods mastered by others. Thanks to them, you can learn how to clean windows without straining yourself, while saving a lot of time. Discover the best window cleaning solutions, tools and methods.
A store-bought cleaner - a classic window cleaning method
Are you wondering how to clean the windows to achieve maximum effectiveness? Forget all “supermarket” products of questionable quality. Not only you will spend money, but also won’t achieve the cleanliness you expect.
Does it mean that store-bought cleaners never bring good results? Not necessarily! But if you decide to use a chemical product - choose professional solutions. They might cost more than a store brand, but they are more efficient and last longer. Furthermore - they bring far better results.
A homemade window cleaning solution
Do you want window cleaning to result in clean windows without streaks - but you don’t want to use any chemicals? Try homemade window cleaning solutions that have been used for generations.
Just like when unclogging a sink drain or cleaning a burnt pot, vinegar is the essential item, in this case. Just mix it with water in the right proportions - as a result, you get a homemade window cleaning solution. How to use it to clean the windows? Simply spray the glass with it and wipe it dry. That’s all you have to do.
As you prepare your homemade cleaning solution, mix 1 part vinegar and 9 parts water. Such proportions are a guarantee of success.
The window cleaning method presented above is just one of the many homemade remedies you can use. You can also mix water with:
- lemon juice,
- dish soap,
- denaturated alcohol,
- ammonia.
Some of the substances not only clean the windows but also prevent dust accumulation. Thanks to this, the windows are cleaner for longer.
Window cleaning equipment - quick and easy window cleaning
Do you think the traditional window cleaning methods are the best? It can be much easier if you get special window cleaning accessories. You can use various types of sponges but also the absolute essential - a squeegee.
A window squeegee has a very characteristic shape. It’s a handle with a perpendicular rubber blade. In theory, the wider the tool, the more dirt it can remove from large surfaces in shorter time. Keep in mind that if the windows are smaller, a large squeegee might be impractical.
If you are not very tall and your windows are located high above, which makes it difficult to reach them, consider purchasing a squeegee with a telescopic handle. This way, you can extend it to the appropriate length and clean the windows more comfortably.
An electric window cleaner - automatic window cleaning tools
Automatic cleaners are popular window cleaning equipment. There are two types of such devices. The first one sprays the surface with a special product and removes the dirty liquid using a suction element. The other is a steam cleaner that uses hot steam - perfect for dirt removal.
So, which solution is better - combining the effectiveness and the price? With regards to the cost of the device, it is similar in both cases. Furthermore, good-quality cleaners from renowned brands are not very expensive. What about effectiveness? As you might have suspected, steam cleaners are more practical. They don’t leave streaks on the glass, which is a big plus.
A universal cloth - a proven window cleaning method without chemicals
From time to time, new window cleaning supplies appear on the market which, as their manufacturers claim, are supposed to make the process easier and faster. Unfortunately, not all of them are as effective as their ad campaigns. That’s why it’s good to check the reviews before purchasing any such product.
A universal cloth manufactured by one of the leading household products brands turned out to be a real breakthrough. It’s made of absorbent material that deals with the most difficult dirt - without using any chemicals.
A microfiber window cloth is a truly magical solution - it leaves the glass surface dry - without any damp patches or streaks. All you need to do is dampen it and start cleaning the windows.
This solution has another big advantage - the cloth is easy to clean as well. It can be simply thrown into the washing machine along with other colorful items. Just make sure the washing temperature doesn’t exceed 60°C (140 F).
A special microfiber cloth is a highly effective solution not just for window cleaning. It’s also great while cleaning mirrors or a shower stall, if you’re aiming for the perfect results.
A lifehack - window cleaning without streaks
Were your windows really dirty and despite thorough cleaning some ugly streaks remain on the surface? Remember that you can always polish them to achieve the satisfaction of maximum cleanliness.
To polish the windows and remove all streaks, you can use both standard solutions, as well as microfiber cloths or paper towels. Remember that apart from traditional methods, you can also try not-so-standard alternatives. Some of the options involve using:
- tights or stockings,
- cloth diaper rags,
- old cotton t-shirts.
Using a daily newspaper after window cleaning is also a good way to remove streaks. Just crumple it into a fist-sized ball. Make sure to fold all the edges inwards.
📍 Window cleaning - how much does it cost?
You can have your windows cleaned by someone else - the price depends on the company. The type of the window, the region and the individual pricing set by the person who does the cleaning are other possible factors influencing the cost of such service.
📍 How long does window cleaning take?
Cleaning the windows is a very time-consuming activity. The required time greatly depends on the method you pick, whether you clean the window along with the frame and if you polish the glass to remove the smallest streaks. The approximate time needed for cleaning one window is 30 minutes.
📍 Cleaning the windows without streaks - how to do it?
If you want to clean the windows without streaks, use the proven methods only. You can add some glycerine to the water with a cleaning solution - it prevents patches and streaks. Special universal cloths are also a great solution - they guarantee clean windows without leaving even the smallest speckle.
Featured articles
